In 1957 Maserati introduced the Superleggera-bodied 3500 GT, its first road car built in significant numbers. A luxury 2+2, the 3500 GT utilized a twin-overhead-camshaft, six-cylinder engine that developed around 220 bhp, initially. Later examples, such as this car, produced 235 bhp with Lucas mechanical fuel injection. Built initially with drum brakes and four-speed transmission, the 3500 GT was progressively updated, gaining front disc brakes and finally, a ZF five-speed gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes, as featured on this car.

This 3500 GTi, chassis no. 2769, was delivered new to Señor Domingo Gotarta of Barcelona, Spain. Research by noted Maserati historian Adolfo Orsi indicates it is a very late-production car completed in October 1963 and is believed to be the 245th 3500 GT Vignale Spyder, the fourth-from-last example produced. For the first 25 years of its life, this Maserati remained in Spain. A service invoice made out to Jose Mogas Bassas from the Maserati factory dated 26 May 1969 documents the car’s mileage at 40,282 km and registered in Barcelona as B 378804. The last person to own the car in Spain was Juan Alberto Jepus Fabres, the Mayor of Sarria, a town in the north-western province of Lugo, as evidenced on Señor Fabres’ letterhead.

In 1989, Fabres sold the 3500 GTi to Malcom Clube, an eccentric British ex-Special Forces racing driver who discovered the car in an underground parking garage. Leaving a note with an offer to buy the car generated interest, but it took several overtures by Mr. Clube to come to an agreement and finally acquire the Maserati later that year in October. Clube imported the car to the UK and placed it into storage where it remained for the next 14 years, with the Spanish registration still attached.

Chassis 2769 was then purchased by Kidston S.A. on behalf of a Swiss resident client who commissioned a comprehensive, rotisserie restoration of this very special Maserati. Desiring only the best of work, it was sent back to Italy for restoration. Body and paint work was performed by craftsman Bacchelli and Villa at Carrozzeria Auto Sport near Modena. They stripped it down to bare metal, mounted it to a rotisserie, and carefully perfected every inch of the body before applying a new coat of the original and stunning factory color of Azzurro Metallizzato. Reassembly included show-quality re-chroming and polishing of all brightwork and refurbishing of the original Borrani wire wheels.

Mechanical elements of the car were done by marque specialists Candini Classiche Srl in Modena, widely considered one of the most experienced and expert Maserati shops in the world. Every mechanical component was rebuilt, serviced, or replaced, including a total rebuild of the DOHC inline six-cylinder engine that included new cylinder liners, timing chains, cylinder heads with new valves, and water pump. Also rebuilt were the brake system with new calipers and rebuilt servo and brake lines. The driveshaft was rebuilt and properly balanced, the fuel pumps and water pump rebuilt, and the steering box overhauled, as well. The ZF five-speed transmission was gone through and a new master cylinder installed, plus an all-new and correct wiring harness fitted. Restoration was completed in 2006 and then remained part of a German collector’s stable until 2009 before making its way to the U.S., where it was acquired by the consignor in 2015.

Recently, after an exhaustive search for leather of the correct weight, texture, and hue was located, the interior was restored in the correct Connolly leather color of Pelle Rosso, as originally specified. Driven regularly but sparingly, it has been fastidiously maintained and cared for, and the current owner notes that it is properly sorted, performs superbly, and is exhilarating to drive.

The most refined and rarest of the series, this important Maserati 3500 GTi Spyder by Vignale is a stunning example of Italian craftsmanship and design.